Top 10 Best Melee Weapons For Killing Zombies

Top 10 Best Melee Weapons For Killing Zombies

We’ve all imagined ourselves in the zombie apocalypse, surrounded by a horde of zombies. Through this visual tension, however, we remain calm…our katana reflecting the light of the setting sun as we raise the blade in confidence.

As we swing, the heads of the undead soar away in musical unison. Not a single movement is lost to a wasted stride or step.

We are death to the dead. We are artists of survival; our blade is our brush, the land we defend…our canvas.

Ok, back to reality. Though we can’t downplay the importance of mental preparation, most of us will never even pick up a katana, let alone see one in person. Odds are, the skill required to wield such a weapon will forever remain a fantasy.

A prerequisite to using a melee weapon is that the zombie has to be within a dangerously close proximity to you. The mere fact that you’re in need of such a weapon probably means that you’re either going to be zombie food, or at the very least, infected – either of which is not a fate you would, most likely, decidedly partake in.

Now here’s a half-naked warrior girl weilding a couple machetes to help break up this text:

Anyways, choosing the right melee weapon for you, given your comfort level with the weapon and skill level to wield it, is the variable that will be the determining factor in giving you that fighting chance. That said, the list below may not necessarily apply to you, as personal preference should be the first variable considered in your deciding what weapon to wield.

Below are the top 10 best melee weapons for surviving killing zombies and surviving the zombie apocalypse.

Note: We do not recommend that you go into any zombie combat scenario unless absolutely necessary. If an escape route exists, take it. Using your melee weapon should be your last resort.

#1 Ninja Forearm Machete

History: A weapon used in the BloodRayne and BloodRayne II video games, this replica is a full-tang arm blade sword.

Description: Single solid piece of hard-anodized black stainless steel, reaching an impressive 17-3/8 inches long. The handle features an ergonomic grip and a strap wraps around your forearm for support. This weapon was designed to be an extension of your own body; lightweight, functional and flawless. Cut some zombie heads clean off or go to the core of infection with a clean plunge through the jaw, straight to the brain.

#2 Kukri

History: The Kukri is a traditional Nepalese or Indian weapon. Used in ceremonies and religious rites, the kukri has many practical applications as well (clearing brush, chopping down small trees, splitting small logs, etc.). In many cases, it is still the basic and traditional utility knife of the Nepalese people.

Description: Ranging in length (up to two feet), we recommend choosing one of the longer blades. The kukri blade’s distinctive forward drop acts as a weighting mechanism on the end of the blade, allowing for a more forceful swing and harder hit.

#3 Axe

History: One of the oldest man-made weapons, the axe is built for everything from everyday survival (including chopping firewood and making your way into a potential safe-house) to combat. A major advantage and disadvantage of the axe is the weight. A well-placed blow is enough to take down most barricades and most body parts. However, a misplaced swing can leave you committed and defenseless, as the swing cannot easily change course or be stopped. Always have a lightweight counterpart as backup.

Description: Most modern axes have steel heads and wooden handles. They are built for a specialized function, altering the size and form of each. The best axes for the zombie apocalypse are the fire-axe, the brush-axe, and lastly, the pick-axe due to weight and versatility.

#4 Baseball Bat

History: The most basic energy transfer melee bludgeoning weapon, the baseball bat has evolved over the years, as well as its name. Oina, a game still played in Romania, dates back to the era of the Dacians and Romans. “Oina”, meaning to take a herd of sheep from the mountains down to the field in Fall, is theorized to have actually begun as a game of war. Where sheep and war come together, we’re not sure, but the baseball bat can trace it’s origins back the the Oina “bata”.

Description: You may think choosing a baseball bat would be simple enough; just pick one up and swing, right? This would not be a good strategy, long term. There are several materials used for making bats: wood (the most traditional) can break over a short period of time, aluminum (becoming more and more common-place) are lighter than wood and are not at risk of cracking or breaking (use over time can lead to warping, however). Composite fiber bats, although more expensive, can be the victim of cracking and even shattering in cold weather.

#5 Katana

History: The katana is arguably the deadliest edged weapon ever made. Used by the Japanese samurai as their primary weapon, the katana’s curved blade was designed to slice clean through its target.

Description: Curved, sleek and single-edged, the katana’s blade ranges between 70-73 cm (27.6-28.7 in) long. Proper use of the katana requires a sure, confident, yet relaxed grip. Trust in the blade is necessary to achieve use of it’s full potential. Strike target about 3 inches from the tip of the blade for maximum power and leverage and you will have no issues slicing through rotting zombie flesh and bone. Wielding the katana, however, especially with decapitation as your end goal, requires the proper skill, strength and technique. For that reason, the katana is only deadly in the right hands. Less sure hands wielding this weapon should rather use a stabbing motion, aiming towards the bottom jaw of the zombie and thrusting upwards to the base of the skull, thus taking out the infected portion of the zombie’s brain.

#6 Trench Knife

History: Used in World War One, the trench knife was designed for hand-to-hand combat in the trenches of the Western Front. Probably the most recognizable trench knife in the U.S. would be the Mark I. Ironically, the Mark I was introduced too late in World War I to actually service in the trenches, but was adopted by U.S. paratroopers in World War II.Description: The most known trench knife design, the Mark I, is a full-tang design with a double-edged blade and brass hilt incorporating a guard shaped as a knuckle duster (may also be used as brass knuckles). The pommel included a ‘skull-crusher’, which extended beyond the grip, increasing the weapons lethal capabilities and versatility.

#7 Crowbar

History: Designed as means of separating two objects, this tool was first forged around 1400, known as crows or iron crows.

Description: Usually made of medium-carbon steel, crowbars or pry-bars can also be made using titanium – having the advantage of being lighter in weight and nonmagnetic. There are generally three types of shaft designs. The least expensive bars are forged from hexagonal or cylindrical stock. More costly designs are sometimes forged with an I-shaped cross-section shaft.

Use this tool as a means for opening locked doors or windows, removing wooden beams, etc. The crowbar or pry-bar allows the zombie survivalist access to most of the apocalyptic world. As a weapon, it’s imbalance, lack of grip and lengthy penetration should be considered.

#8 Machete

History: Used in tropical and subtropical countries, the machete is used to cut through rainforest undergrowth, agricultural purposes and household tasks as a large kitchen knife (cutting large food items, using the tool as a meat cleaver, and other odd jobs around the house).

Description: The machete is a large cleaver-like cutting tool . The blade ranges anywhere from 12.8 to 24 inches long (32.5 to 60 cm) and is usually under .12 in thick (3 mm). Designed as a slashing tool and weapon, the machete is versatile enough to assist with daily zombie apocalyptic scenarios.

#9 Crossbow

“A crossbow is a type of weapon based on the bow and consisting of a horizontal bow-like assembly mounted on a stock. It shoots projectiles called bolts or quarrels. The medieval crossbow was called by many names, most of which were derived from the word ballista, a torsion siege engine resembling a crossbow.

Historically, crossbows played a significant role in the warfare of East Asia and Europe.The earliest crossbows in the world were invented in ancient China and caused a major shift in the role of projectile weaponry. The traditional bow and arrow had long been a specialized weapon that required a considerable training, physical strength, and expertise to operate with any degree of efficiency. In many cultures, bowmen were considered a separate and superior caste, despite usually being drawn from the common class, as their archery skill-set was essentially developed from birth (similar to many horseman cultures) and was impossible to reproduce outside a pre-established cultural tradition, which many nations lacked. In contrast, the crossbow was the first projectile weapon to be simple, cheap, and physically undemanding enough to be operated by large numbers of conscript soldiers, thus enabling virtually any nation to field a potent force of ranged crossbowmen with little expense beyond the cost of the weapons themselves.

In modern times, crossbows have been largely supplanted by firearms in most roles, but are still widely used for shooting sports, hunting, and when shooting in relative silence is an important consideration.” Further information: Crossbow

#10 Sledgehammer

History: Designed for destruction, this weapon was originally built for breaking through drywall or masonry walls. Though useful for fracturing stone or concrete as well, the sledgehammer had a significant building role in the history of the railroad.

Description: The handle ranges anywhere from 1 foot 8 inches to 3 feet 3inches long, depending on the mass of the head which usually ranges from 2.2 to 6.6 lbs., though modern day heavy duty sledgehammers can be equipped with 10 to 20 lb. heads. That said, sledgehammers can be far heavier than axes and therefore less receptive to any alteration in swing.

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80 Comments

andrew May 1, 2011 at 12:01 pm

are these in order from best to worst? and also if ur gunna use fantasy weapons like the monk blade thing then this is all wrong. 1: this weapon might be good if a lttle longer the fact is that itll dig into ur arm as ur attempting to cut heads and such. this weapon would be hard to find and very unpractical. even if i could get my hands on this it would not be my first choice. 2: this blade is made for cutting through body parts its top heavy rather than handle heavy, giving this weapon more hitting power. again this would be hard to weild for the average person and even if u did now how to use this it would still not be my first or second choice in weapons. 3: axe…….. honestly i shudnt need to say anything about this weapon not deserving to be third because its self explanitory. a axe blade can easily breakoff and most axes are wood, this making them vulnerable to breaking under multiple and constant impact. even with a full metal axe its a hard weapon to use under combat because the area u have for hitting is very small in comparison to something like a sword. a axe would not be my first choice and honestly it may not even be in my top 10. 4: as said in the above a bat can crack/break easily, especially when ur going from hitting a 1 pound ball to hitting a 5 pound skull (obviously i need to do some research on the weight of a ball and head lol) anyways, a bat would be great for short term use at the begining when u dont have any other options but if there at any time is anything else you shud pick it up and continue to use the bat until it withers away. a baseball bat would not be my first should because all that is has is blunt force which althought would hurt like a mo f*cka it at most points cannot penetrate the skull to the point of breaking the brain stem (this only counts for smaller individuals). 5: the famous, the powerful, THE KATANA. although this blade is very popular it is usually a thin blade can can crack or bend easily enless you aquired a professional blade. a katana is hard to weight and is semi useless for stabbing but has the weight and curve behind it for slicing. a katana or any sword would be good for use because of the length and the power considering its a 2 handed weapon. and by the way do not try and stab from underneath to hit through the jaw and into the brain seeing as 1: the brain stem is located closer to the neck and 2: your gunna be nearly sh1ting ur self when ur in the face of a zombie. your best choice if you have the chance is go for the back or front of the neck, both of which are easily penatrable and would render the zombie near dead state. 6: Trench blade used for close combat….. end of story i win. no but to be serious would u want to get up close and personal with something that its only intention is to eat you? i doubt it. you do not want to have hand to hand combat with a zombie because they dont fight they will bite and scratch and come at you as fast as they can but they will not fight. therefore this weapon would be useless but obviouly better than fists. on a side note i would recommend getting one of these or a fixed blade knife for cutting things, using it more as a tool than a killing device (but it would still be there to help under such circumstances) usually the holder attachs by the belt making it for easy access. 7: crow bar, no blade, no weight behind it, no use for killing in reality. lets get realistic your not gunna stab a zombie through the eye and into the brain stem, its just to risky seeing as a zombie will be flayaling its arms at you and not sitting still. no one is gunna have the balls to go that close and have that preciseness, and if u do have the balls ur gunna die have fun bye end of story. this would be good for when your scavanging no doubt. 8: machette, first word to describe this is “yes” this is a perfect zombie killing weapon a machette blade is hard to breaking making it durable, it is easy to sharpen, it is easy to weild even for the noobiest of the weapon holders, most machettes can easily cut through somone easily, most machettes come with a gadder or gatter back edge allowing to smash things like door handels, zombies faces, or whatnot. this weapon would nearly be my first choice but you will see underneath. 9: um ok this is kinda of confusing seeing as most of the stuff above was modern day materials seeing as this is something of the past/fantasy it will be hard to put full consideration seeing as i have never been in contact of one of these. but to start things off the length obviously limits your ability to attack things up close making it hard to attack anything that comes to close, if you knew how to properly use this weapon then you would be a killing machine with a staff, this weapon is useless for modern day man but anyone who is trained for this weapon would kill anything in its path. seeing as the blades do not seem to be reinforced this weapon would be prone to breaking or cracking again making it unpractical. 10: no no no no no no and a little bit of yes? this weapon is not made for killings its a tool it would be hard to swing, weigh heavy after only a few swings and is hard to kill anyone with this. honestly this weapon again would be nice for scavanging to knock down doors to own sh1t but otherwise this weapon doesent serve ANY purpose in killing, if u want to go buy one of these and use it to kill then dont come running to me when u hit the zombie and it gets back up 10 times and you cant kill it. the only successful way of killing a zombie with this is to hit it directly in order the sledge hammers head hits zombies head hits pavement = boom. otherwise no i wouldnt even let somone who thought of carrying a sledge hammer in my group of survivors go fend off the zombes with that tough guy lol.

my next post wil be what i consider the top 5-10 weapons

jesse July 26, 2011 at 4:32 pm

hey bro,i might not be an admin but your right a bout that first weapon,apparebtly the backing that runs along your forearm is made of a cheap plastic which could easily break when used

nick April 8, 2014 at 4:16 pm

you over think this these are in cases where you can’t help being that close also these aren’t suppose to be easy to get they are just the best choices, besides people could easily kill with any of these if they could stop crapping their pants, would they be the best hell no but hey if they survive they will learn quickly with these weapons. Also the spade isn’t fantasy and is easier to use then you think, plus this stuff all don’t break immediately you could use most of them besides the katana multiple times before breaking. The katana i agree shouldn’t be used it can break and you are more likely to injure your self with it so i’ll give you that. Also THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN SO LET THEM DREAM

Kevin May 1, 2014 at 2:08 pm

yes you over think just a little (just a little)……. I could kill a person with a broomstick handle if I had to. The fantasy weapons are a joke. machete is first choice for the simple reason that you can use it at close range and at a slight distance. The bat is good only if its aluminum. if your walking a long distance then the sledge hammer is out (though its great for breaking into buildings for supplies too). Crowbar is good as killing weapon and getting into or out of place. You cant carry everything so if you can get a duel use weapon all the better………. Personally i’m sticking with my AR and 45acp. Good luck.

Beast man August 11, 2016 at 9:45 am

The katana is the easiest weapon to use bro if you keep it sharpened and take care of it then you got it I mean you find a hard headed zombie don’t use it because yeah it could bend but best place to get a good one is a museum they have the real stuff

Andrew is wrong March 24, 2018 at 1:55 pm

Dude you are wrong about everything you just said don’t say it unless you know it’s right, retard

andrew May 1, 2011 at 12:08 pm

i will put up my own top 10 after but for these 10 i will rate from 1-10 1: machette (Would be first choice hands down) 2: katana (only if not a fake sword) (Would use this but take a different sword if i had the chance) 3: kukri (only if the longer version) (Would be scared to use this in close combat) 4: baseball bat (only if not wooden) (Would probably use this only if i didnt have the above) 5: monk blade – (Would never use this enless a last resort) 6: ninja machette thing – (would possibly use this but again probably a last resort) 7: trench blade – (Would never use this enless a last resort) 8: Axe – (would never use this enless a last resort) 9: crowbar – (would never use this enless a last resort) 10: sledge hammer – (Would never use this enless a last resort)

Jeff September 14, 2017 at 7:04 am

Did you just put the axe at number 8?

BrokenHome January 18, 2018 at 7:46 am

Do you realize how heavy an axe can be, and the blade can easily break off. You also need a wide arc to get enough force to split a skull. It also takes a bit of force to get the axe out of the zombie skull which will hinder you if you are fighting a bunch of zombies at once

Can’t say they’re in any order, as choosing your melee weapon should be on an individual-basis / case. I threw in a couple ‘impractical’ weapons such as the Ninja Forearm Machete and Monk’s Spade for flavor – personally, I would love to learn how to use those weapons.

As with any decision made in preparation for or during the zombie apocalypse, every angle / pro and con must be considered…the authenticity, durability, versatility of each weapon, for example. Personally, I have my doubts about using the machete as a go-to…rather go with a long kukri, as the weighted end will assist in slicing off those pesky zombie heads.

Btw Andrew, NICE FEEDBACK! That’s exactly what needs to happen here in order for someone to make a well-rounded decision… to gain the necessary knowledge of all possible weapons to make a personalized, informed decision.

andrew May 3, 2011 at 12:43 pm

yep everyone has there opinion i just would think its alot easier to sharpen and keep swingin a good quality machete rather than your weapon of choice. its honestly got alot to do with personal preferance. most of my comments are assuming the people im talking to arnt sword smiths and such

Matt March 24, 2014 at 3:49 pm

For melee weapons, I would most definitely choose a machete or bowie, perhaps keep both on your person. These are the most practical in the Z.A. scenario.

Off-topic, relying solely on your melee would be stupid. You would have to get too close to take out potential threats. Therefore, on to your projectiles.

1. Arrow based should be your primary. It is VERY simple to create your own bow from materials found in nature (long, time-consuming but simple).

2. Secondary would be a pistol. Used as a last resort in a swarm scenario. Otherwise, your melee.

Explanation on 2: As you have seen on The Walking Dead type zombies, they are slow, stupid and decaying. You could simply whistle them to follow you and lead them off a cliff, or a hole in the ground to then kill. If they are Dawn of the Dead type zombies, able to run, climb and make very simple judgements, then by all means keep your distance no matter what. Hiding and waiting it out should come as a first before engaging in melee combat. The fact they can run would enable you to transfer the kinetic energy and toss to the side… assuming, its not a swarm/horde (i.e. only 1 or 2).

California_Cobra August 21, 2015 at 7:35 am

Screw all these weapons, except for the Ninja Forearm Machete and the katana! I’m gonna get on a boat and sail into the middle of nowhere! Of course my ideal boat would be big enough to sleep at least 10 people, have a fish finder, and enough fuel to get far enough out to sea. I really think isolating yourself from the problem is going to be the best bet and if anyone turns while on the boat………well, sorry, we’re gonna have to shoot you (or stab you, whichever you prefer) and then throw you overboard, at which point we will sail far away from your body so as to avoid eating possibly infected fish. Honestly, what could be better than making it onto a boat out to open waters with no one in the group being infected? Maybe I am a little naive, but a boat would be my first choice to escape the zombie apocalypse.

andrew May 3, 2011 at 12:59 pm

hopefully soon ill show u guys my weapons im not even close to done yet =/

Hell yeah! If you want, you can submit what you have now and I can replace the pic/description later. Your call, of course.

andrew May 7, 2011 at 10:16 am

Apologies on the late reply. yea im gunna wait because there coming in soon ill have a list below which will let u know what ill have.

– Melee – (i already have) Fixed blade knife (I want to have a smaller knife that is strong enough to kill and whatnot but small enough to not have to use my machete) Bear Mase (this is technically not considered a melee weapon but ill put it in here anyways because its even furthur from a firearm. use this to shoot into peoples eyes that are raiding or people that i need to keep under control on my camp/base (This kind is the smaller bottle for easy transportation along scavanging)) Baseball bat/Axe (i have these but wont be using them enless i need too because they arnt my choice of weapon (axe is a full sized wood handle axe and bat is metal)) (yes i know wood axe is shit) Small Machete (This machete is only going to be used until i get my other one) – Melee – (Getting within the next 3 months) Machete (I will be making a 15 inch blade machete out of either 1080 steel or some sort of carbonfiber mix allowing it to withstand the most harsh of killing) (This make take longer to make seeing as i have my prioritys onto firearms) (The grip im going to use is a hardened leather grip for durability and longtime use) Small Hard Steel Hand Axe (Used for general purpose stuff but in the case of an emergency will be used for killing if need be)

– Firearms – (Already have) .22 long rifles (Used for target shooting as of right now but will be having these just in case. these will not be my first choice on zombie killing weapons) (Have about 3) Pellet rifles (Used for increasing the abilitys to fire a real gun, this is not a standard BB gun. you need a firearms license to own one, these are mainly used because the pellet is so small that under windy conditions its harder to shoot, therefore improving your accuracy without wasting bullets.) Pellet Pistols (Baby Desert Eagle and a Beretta Models 90 Two. Use for accuracy again but also just fun for practice) .303 Enfield Bolt Action Rifles (We own it but we lent it to a friend which is shiping it back this week) – Firearms – (Within the next month) (We are buying all of our guns through a specific company because they have good quality for good prices and have everything we want) .22 Browning Buck Mark Camper Stainless Steel. (This gun is my dads will be used for practising target shooting because the ammo is cheap) 9mm Smith and Wesson M&P Full Model (This is my practice pistol also will be used for the upcoming zombie apocalypse, 9mm has enough power to go through the head and has small recoil and has familiar ammunition)(I currently have 1400 bullets for this gun that are self made) 12 Gauge Pump Action Hastan Shotgun (Used for skeet shooting but when the apocalypse comes i may saw the barrel down if we do not buy a tactical 14 inch shotgun) 7.62×39 SKS Rifle (This gun can be modified to have 20-30 round magazines. the bullets come in a stripper clip allowing for speed loading, this gun can be bump fired for rapid fire even in canada. this gun is inexpensive to buy and inexpensive to shoot. you can buy 1000 rounds for 200 bucks depending on the place. this will be used at the outdoor range) – Firearms – (Want but willnot get until a later date (3-6 months)) .45 CZ Tactical (My dad is going to get this for higher caliber a .45 will definitly do the job (Not certain if thats the model he wants but im forsure he wants a CZ)) .45 or .50 caliber (Have not decided which i want but this will be a pistol) .357 or 38 special (Revolver for myself because the magazine springs can wear out and making the pistol useless) 38 special again (Revolver for my dad) CZ 858-2 (Semi auto gun that looks similar to a AK-47 but is legal in canada) A large caliber sniper rifle that is military grade (probably a cheytac or a remington) (probably a 7mm-.401) 12 gauge tactical shotgun Hastan (14 inch barrel rather than the 28 inch barrel shotgun from above)(with ammo strap for the stock) Looking into a G36 or a Beretta Cx4 Storm (This guns are basically sub machine guns that are semi auto that take pistol bullets rather than other bullets) will post if theres anything i missed

jesse July 26, 2011 at 5:09 pm

don’t forget silencers (ididn’t tell you this but you CAN buy them from certain places) for your pistols and long rifles,don’t wanna make to much noise when killing shit

#1…. Isn’t that a Tonfa? Js. or is a Tonfa Minus the sharp edge? Just calling it a ninja weapon is a disgrace to the art of wielding such a fine weapon.

Louis May 16, 2011 at 12:47 am

The best offense is a good defense. Grab a flannel shirt or wool coat. Cut up a pair of denim pants and wrap it around your head. Duct tape the fabric to make it bite resistant. Find a foot long cutlery sharpener, as they are usually made of fine steel, and grind the tip to a 45 degree angled point, even if you have to scrape it on concrete. Zombies attack with upraised arms which makes most of those weapons ineficient. A spike through the head will solve your problems. The Spade is good if you only use it as a thrusting weapon, same as the forearm brace, but in a cluster you might as well be caught in a web. The trench knife is decent since it wont slip in your hands because of gore but with such a thick blade makes it hard for weaker people to drive it through the skull. The Ninja-to is a great sword but falls into the same catagorie as the Katana and Machete. Only experienced sword fighters should ever try to use them against the undead. Like I say, light weight armor and a spike is your best defense. Guns make noise, bows and crossbows require you to dedicate either your hands to holding them or you risk entanglement by strapping them to your back. Be as the mouse in zombie world. Silent and unseen. If you have to use a weapon it means you messed up. Love the site though, keep it up.

James July 25, 2011 at 8:39 pm

I saw the video for the cold steel katana machete and had to buy one. I can’t wait to hack and slash everything behind my house when it comes in. I saw they also sell a brooklyn crusher and smasher that is a bat that is supposedly unbreakable. I’ll stick with blades myself. I want to get a real katana and maybe the Apokatana when I can afford them. I have been researching forging my own blades but am too early in it to have actually done anything but research so far. It seems like a fun and rewarding project if I stick with it to completion.

jesse July 28, 2011 at 6:19 am

…admins, Y U NO PUT CHAINSAW ON LIST?

admin July 28, 2011 at 1:52 pm

Hey Jesse – a few reasons why the chainsaw wasn’t included on the best of list: 1. It relies on an outside element – one that will be in short supply (gas) 2. It’s bulky and not easily traveled with 3. It’s messy. The spatter factor involved with a chainsaw may not only put yourself at risk, but your entire team. It’s recommended that you wear face/body protection when combating zombies, but if for some reason you aren’t protected (an open wound or orifice, for example), a nice clean blade is much less risky.

NOTE: As the zombie apocalypse progresses into the latter stages, the splatter factor mentioned above may not be as much of an issue as most of the zombies will have no bodily fluids to speak of. That said, by that time, factor #1 will be even more a influential on your choice of melee weapon.

jesse July 28, 2011 at 6:16 pm

oh ok,but i think it could make a good TEMPORARY weapon once you get later into the outbreak

Bob February 26, 2014 at 12:33 am

While I would agree with you, the chainsaw makes a sh* ton of noise, not exactly convenient when there are plenty of zoms. Plus, a chainsaw can run out of juice mid-combat, and then you’re screwed.

Andrew. W, August 6, 2011 at 4:50 pm

As far as my zombie prepareness… 1. Romanian AK, the rounds are cheap and are very common, they are also the most reliable weapons ever made… 2. Mosin Nagant, Army surplus soo the rounds are rather cheap same as the AK….. Im looking at a few bushmasters but im trying to keep the variety of rounds to a minimum soo i dont have to buy that many different kinds… i thought about a spas-12.. thats prob gonna be another possibility once i get the money…. im gonna keep a Machete around but thats just for went the $%^& hits the fan.. but other than that you need to put more firearms on the list.. Theres noo pistols or anything..

Shelton September 6, 2011 at 2:30 pm

That ninja forearm machete would be sweet if you could master it. It’s got good potential, but only if you can find it with a higher quality backing/ reinforcement. That’s the only way you could trust it to get you out of a tough zombie infested situation.

Alawishus October 20, 2011 at 10:23 pm

It would seem to me that melee weapons that work well on people that are alive, would work well on those that are undead. Therefore the weapon to use is the E-Tool. If you don’t believe me, do a bit of research. Soldiers armed with sharpened E-Tools were whirlwinds of destruction.

Cajunhunter February 5, 2012 at 4:25 pm

The katana has to be the most overrated sword in the world. Even if its a professionally made blade, it can only do one thing right, and thats slash. It is FAR from the “deadliest edged weapon ever made”. If your gonna use a sword, buy a longsword (hand-and-a-half sword). Longswords are WAY more versatile, and can not only cut, but also spear and bludgeon. Sure, its not as sharp as the “almighty katana”, but a sword should never be too sharp, since the thin edge is prone to fracturing if not taken care of, especially if your gonna cut through bone with it. Also, since there are more japanophiles than actual history buffs who bother to do research, katanas are gonna be over priced.

Alex March 15, 2012 at 5:05 pm

I umm… I have a baseball bat 😐 yeah… prepared

Devan March 16, 2012 at 3:24 pm

1. I’ve actually adorned #1 and it’s actually not as versatile as you’d think… not even close. 2. Kukri’s are a good choice, just not S&W. Smith & Wesson uses weak steel that breaks easily. 3. A tomahawk, like the M48 Hawk, would be much better than any axe. I know because I have it and it’s lightweight and fast, but still has GREAT chopping and piercing power with the head and spike. 4. A bat has great blunt force, but is still versatile (at about 2-1/2 – 3 ft.). I have two steel bats and I’m getting the Tire Thumper from BudK soon. 5. I have to agree completely with Cajunhunter on the katana. 6. The trench knife would leave you and the zombie too close for comfort. 7. The crowbar is a very good weapon if it’s not too heavy. I wouldn’t suggest ordering one to prepare. I’d suggest actually going to Wal-Mart or Home Depot or Lowes and feeling the weight to see which size would be best for you. To ensure a good grip as a weapon, use duct tape at the desired handle location, then gauze wrap, then more, preferably fluorescent or safety colored, duct tape over that to prevent recoil. 8. A machete is always a good weapon, but anything cord-wrapped will slip right out of your hand with one good swing. A good rubber grip is best, like the Gerber Gator machetes. 9. I’ve never used a Shaolin Spade, but unless you have proper training with it, you’ll be clumsy. You can’t really train yourself with a weapon like that. 10. I’ve never used a sledgehammer either, but if there’s either more than one zombie or you miss, you’re screwed. So think about that before grabbing one.

Also Camp axe Miscellanious survival gear Tactical combat vest Other small knives Army trained in weapons

All my knives are razor sharp and i know how to keep them that way Im also a pretty good shot with all my weapons

Andrew August 27, 2012 at 8:52 am

=[ oh how i envy you because of your ar-15. All good choices

higgs July 3, 2012 at 1:40 pm

I also want to get a hoyt carbon element bow for a stealth ranged weapon

zombieguy August 27, 2012 at 3:30 am

i just need a 50 cal sniper with silencer, a M9 with silencer & a military combat knife! And my brain!!!

Andrew August 27, 2012 at 8:48 am

it makes me so frusterated when people jump to the “Give me a 50 cal”. 50 Cal would be the stupidest gun you could choose, the amount of grains of powder and the metal from the actual bullet could be used for much more rounds than if u used it during a zombie apocalypse. also not everyone can get silencers, they are heavily illegal in canada so people from the north are screwed (sad face)

Moose April 23, 2018 at 5:15 pm

Let’s not forget the weight of a 50 cal. Transporting it with enough ammo to make it worth it would kill you in a day or two.

BabbiDimmerda November 7, 2012 at 5:36 am

WTF is katana? you need 4.000.$ for a good grade katana, you can buy a camper with that money and trasform it in a mobile anti-zombie car, and with a 50$ you can buy a good grade machete, or you can buy an sks and a glock 17 with a lot of ammo, this the definitive list: 1. Bill hook machete 2. Kukri 3. Machete 4. Warmace 5. Warhammer (not sledge hammer) 6. Tactical axe 7. Tomhawk 8. Crowbar 9. Steel tube with T shape 10. Baseball bat Ps. The best sword is the italian schiavona.

I didn’t see anyone mention a mace being an ideal weapon and it would be for several reasons. 1. it doesn’t need to be sharpened and is ideal for smashing in a zombies skull. 2. Lighter than a sledgehammer, and easier to maneuver with. 3. Being a blunt weapon it would never get stuck in a zombies skull which any kind of blade or axe would. Having your weapon get stuck would eventually mean death. 4. And I mean do a google search and look at all the varieties. They’re awesome. http://www.medievalweaponinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Mace_IMG_3823.jpg

kalavic November 26, 2014 at 4:41 pm

I didn’t see your comment when I posted! I completely agree about the mace – most underrated weapon ever, especially when it comes to zombies. People seem to think of it as a less serious weapon than a sword when it was developed to be more effective than swords against armor. Once you figure that spilling blood is no longer effective, why go the hard way of decapitating? Or why use some overly heavy, awkwardly designed bludgeoning weapons when there is a convenient, perfectly designed one already.

AMP Storm September 14, 2013 at 12:48 am

i would much prefer the Naginata or a spear over the Monk’s Spade.

Shawn September 16, 2013 at 4:24 pm

I really don’t agree with the comment on the Axe or Machete about using a weapon as a tool. If at all possible, I’m going to keep my weapon sharp, oiled, and in pristine condition so that if I’d need it, it will be ready. Yes, machetes are good tools, but if you’re going to be using one strictly for combat, I’d say it’d be worth seperating the tool from the weapon.

Also, Crowbars aren’t great… They’re weird to grab, and not great as weapons regardless.

Jimmy February 4, 2014 at 5:03 am

I have a question. Which is more effective, the hatchet or tomahawk or the fire-axe? I think the tomahawk is quite versatile but I could use a third opinion.

Toad February 13, 2014 at 9:19 pm

The axe is one of the most deadly weapons ever made. As a kid I was hardly without one. An axe with a fiberglass handle with a handy machete and a tomahawk on the belt would be my “tied for first” selection.

My other first would be a 6-8 foot spear with a tomahawk backup with a machete and a tomahawk on the belt would be my other “tied for first” selection.

You all can keep the rest.

Constantine February 18, 2014 at 4:17 pm

Does Crowbar length matter?

Zachary February 23, 2014 at 2:50 am

Here is my plan for the zombie apocalypse. I would almost never use a gun, unless I have a silencer for it, as guns are much too loud. Instead, for ranged weapons, I would use my bow and arrows, and also my throwing stars. Both are silent and would get the job done. For close range weapons, I would have any type of sword that I could get my hands on, but if I could have a preference of swords, it would have to be an Ulfberht replica. Also, just for survival purposes, I have a MTech MT-536 that I will be changing the handle of soon. I will also be getting a camping ax for chopping firewood and a machete that I will put a rubber handle on. Also, for a sort of armor to prevent getting bit, I would recommend any thicker leather jacket and gloves. This will still leave your neck open however, so I would just watch my back carefully and try to never get cornered. Also, I am currently trying to slowly build a house up in some trees in the woods, as zombies cannot climb trees. This house will serve as my base of operations and safe-house. Plus, if I ever want to expand and build a city with other people, it is possible to do so safely, if you know how. Plus in the trees, if my arrows ever break, or I run out, I can just make new ones with tree branches, even though it is not recommended. Also, some good rope is a necessary element to my plans as it will be very handy and useful for building what I want to. For a vehicle, I would have to say that I would prefer a good motorcycle for speed, versatility, and overall gas usage, but if you want to just smash through hordes of zombies without a care, I would have to say that a heavily modified Jeep or bus is the key. I say a bus because they have a lot of seats and if you get enough people with good shooting skills, you can be unstoppable, because you can have someone shooting from every window to have a good clear range around the vehicle for when you have to stop for anything plus you have lots of room for supplies that you scavenge so you do not have to risk your life as often. The key to survival in the zombie apocalypse is not just what weapons you will use, but how you will go about trying survive. If you go about it in a smart way, you are more likely to succeed, but if you go about it thinking of only weapons and killing, you might not live as long. To everyone who thinks they are ready for the apocalypse, think again. Do lots of research and come up with the best plan for yourself. Become proficient in everything to do with survival in the wild. You are going to need every ounce of expertise you may have. To everyone, good luck and train hard.

Accelerator July 2, 2014 at 4:18 am

As everyone already argued about all the weapons mentioned, i’d rather not do it. Instead, i will mark the flaws of the machette. Even though one has remarkable weight, balance and versatility, it lacks heavily in range. Having only 2 grouped zombies an an arm+machette distance on itself is very dangerous, so you can’t think of dealing with groups of zombies effectively. Also, the #1 pick was pretty shocking to me, as it lacks in almost every aspect. My #1 pick for a meelee weapon for all you Z-related problems is: The Elucidator. Shout ‘fanboy’ all you want, but the sword replica would make any zombie a piece o’ cake to deal with. The weight, the wieldability, slashing (and killing ) power seem almost perfect. (see also: The Elucidator: Man at Arms). seems like the sword wouldn’t break using it on bone or smelly zombie flesh, nor can it easily get bent, cracked or whatever. Also it’s a bit weighted on the bottom so it gives even more power. WHY PEOPLE WHY DO YOU INSIST ON THE MACHETTE >.> Also, any kind of gun or ranged weapon would be only temporarily effective, but no more than a rock after you use your rounds.

fred November 3, 2014 at 7:39 pm

as usual, most people miss the point and give horrid advice(Jason had a good reply); as anyone that has used a bladed tool/weapon knows, the edge is very fragile and the tool/weapon has a slow cycle time. some criteria: light no/low maintenance fast effective I refuse to continue casting pearls before future zombies.

kalavic November 26, 2014 at 4:24 pm

Some improvements to your brain crushing suggestions: 1. Hickory baseball bat… right idea, but not enough. Why not grab a metallic softball bat instead? 2. Sledge hammer. Good way to wear yourself out without much results owing to insufficient speed and accuracy. They’re typically 5 kg, all at the tip. Packing it around would be a drag as well, Highly impractical. Instead use a one handed 1-2 kg hammer. I used both to tear down a brick wall in my flat, and I the 2 kg was more effective than the 5 for anything above shoulder level. It would bust a skull easily, and with greater accuracy and less effort. This should also replace the knife, which I don’t understand the purpose of for zombies. 3. Better yet than a hammer would be a flanged mace, but good luck finding one. Better range, better results for less weight. Less infected zombie blood. Less trouble pulling the blade out of the corpse. Easier to learn. Finding one would be hard, but I’d carry that over a sword. It wouldn’t be hard to try improvising one, maybe fitting a 1 kg. hammer head to a 70 cm garden handle. It would even suggest using a two handed version or dual wield except you should find … 4. A good shield would be worth 10 kukris. See how long it takes you to cut the leg off a chicken with one when you don’t have it firmly pressed to a cutting board with your other hand. Slicing through necks requires a good amount of momentum. Slicing through throats doesn’t, but what’s the point against a zombie? Pull the side off a coke dispenser and attatch a handle. That shield can keep teeth and hands off you until you bust their skull. If you don’t like maces, you could also try chopping route with the machete (though a falchion/scimitar/dao would of course be great) or the puncturing route with … 5 A spear. Why was this not mentioned? The time proven weapon for punching holes through bodies while keeping a healthy distance. Using one effectively against zombies would take some serious skill and would likely take two hands, as moving heads are a hard target and tough to break. But in the hands of the right person a spear would be just the weapon to take down one zombie after another for an indefinite period of time.

My ideal setup for three people would be two with maces and shields and one with a two handed spear. Bring em on!

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samuel March 17, 2015 at 2:02 am

I think this list -tomahawk -throwing knifes -axe -machete -kukri -trench knife -baseball bat -katana -crowbar -sledgehammer -bow and arrow I think these might be fairly helpful in the zombie apocalypse here is a tip : KILL KILL KILL. it is what you have to do to survive. when it happens please tell me where you live I might help too. just tell me if you have 2 tomahawks because I really wanna help with it. I will NEVER use a gun only if it is really needed. also a tip: help falling teammates .

2. Kukri. Now that’s a legit point. Kukris can chop well, and can take off a zombie’s head. Or lop of an arm. You don’t always need to kill a zombie.

3. Axe. My number one choice. Easy to use, hard to break, plenty of utility purposes. Not just a weapon, but a tool. That is a thing you need. I don’t want to carry a pick and crowbar and sword and axe if I can put them all into one axe. Weapon, tool. Doesn’t need much care. No need to sharpen, blunt force will crush a skull.

4. Baseball Bat. Depends on the bat. A wood bat is a bad choice. They don’t hit as hard as a steel bat, they weigh more, and they will break more easily. But a steel bat could probably kill a zombie, or at least knock it down. As I said, the kill is not always needed.

5. Katana. This is a tough one. I would use it and love it, cause I know how to handle swords due to my martial arts training. But a novice would not know anything. A sword is actually difficult to use and maintain. Edge alignment is key. A dull sword won’t cut. A sword won’t get through the skull easily. Swords are much more difficult to find than a hammer or axe. But if you plan on mastering the sword and caring for it, and also carrying an axe in your group, go ahead.

6.Trench knife. No. Not for zombies. A knife can’t get through a skull, and brass knuckles rarely kill. They were meant to break bones or hurt a lot, not kill people. if I found it I would take it, but not for zombies. For aggresive humans.

7. Crowbar. Yes. Yes. In a group, get a guy with a crow bar. It works better than a base ball bat, cause it is solid and thinner and probably heavier. Also, you can pry down some doors or open some boxes. Very useful.

8. Machete. Again, GET A MACHETE! They are useful, easier to use then a sword due to heavier weight and thicker blade, and are useful tools. I cannot stress enough, get tools that are weapons, and visa versa.

9. Monk spade. No. Just, no. If you are a shoalin, you maybe might consider it. But those are near impossible to find, can’t be used in the most dangerous environment, indoors, and are heavy to care and use. You need ridiculous training too! NNNOOOO!

10. Sledgehammer. Aah, this is tough. A heavy sledge hammer that’s like 4 feet is a no. Cumbersome, ineffective, unwieldy. But an 18 inch one handed hammer? Hell yeah! They are tools, they are weapons with many uses, and they are small and fairly light, they just feel heavy due to the balance. A Brick hammer is good, a sledgehammer is not.

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just a guy May 18, 2016 at 3:29 pm

So I’ve been hearing about which weapon is better and all. So the first question that comes to my mind is what type of zombies are they?fast ,slow, hard to kill, durable etc. Personally a machete for me cause I came from a tropical country and have been using since childhood. Also a weapon I useless if ya don’t know how to use it. For example if a newbie gets a katana a rushes a guy that experience using a sledge hammer, the guy with the hammer gunna win because he knows how to use. So the point is not how good the weapon or tool is but how good you are at using it. So here’s my list 1. Primary tool and weapon = machete 2. Secondary tool =crowbar 3. Book on how to treat certain illness or ailments or poisonous plants (very useful) 4. Compound bow with about 12 arrows 5. Length of rope Now none of this should weigh more than 15 pounds and the uses of all I can tell you. Machete – great for clearing slowly or stopping zombies , cause remember running should always be the most viable option. This tool also good for cutting down small trees to build things or for firewood or for barricades Crowbar- you need to break into places leave it at that Book with medical knowledge or plant knowledge- can food and such will be snatched up by other survivors so knowing what to eat is valuable as well and everyone always overlooks the possibility of getting poising or injured so you could save yourself. Compound bow- silence is golden and zombies wont be drawn to you when you use it. Also reusable . Pretty much self explanatory to be used mainly for hostile humans. Rope- this is so important, because you can tie things together which seems dumb at first but the more you think the more rope and/or string would be great . Examples are creating a perimeter or string that if anyone crosses and if ya attached the string to a bell or something noisy will alert you to its presence .there are many other uses for rope and string but I’m lazy and wont name them all. Sooo yea this is good and also NVR forget food and water. The basic basic essentials are often overlooked . Another suggestion is that if you can run with ya equipment for at least quarter mile lose some stuff . Being mobile is essential to survival and remember if ya cant help ya self then dont help others cause then it will be more struggling and bring yall both down. Last tip is dont help someone in trouble unless you have a escape plan or have a way out Thanks for having me -K.os

Aidan May 22, 2016 at 9:26 pm

I’m reading and seeing all these people talking about the reasons why one melee weapon will be better than the other. If you’re in shape and strong, you can really go with any weapon (within reason, you do have a point with not using a sledge hammer) because all of you talking about these weapons, I train with swords and they do require precision, but something like an axe, I use them all the time and it’s not hard if you know what you’re doing. Listen, I don’t mean to discourage you but… If you’re weak and unskilled, it won’t matter what weapon you choose, cause you’ll be dead. Period. However, forums like this are still fun to talk on!

One last thing. A zombie apocalypse variation is technically possible. There are viruses that can slow the decaying process, and stop rigamortis. There are also ones that drive one insane, and there are viruses that control the brains actions, even after death. So yeah. A combination virus and there you go. Thanks for reading!

Very few people seem to understand the true danger of any apocalypse: people. Zombies? Pah! Humans would be the cause of more than a few deaths. That asisde, here is my equipment list: * Army jacket – Long thick sleeves makes it good protection from bites/scratches * Recurve bow made from PVC – PVC is a surprisingly good matirial for making bows. There are good how-tos out there for making one * Shortsword – Good for close combat against any jerks trying to kill you. Not so much for zombs. * Camp Axe – Get a short one, no longer than your for arm or a tomahawk. * Spray paint and lighter – You have no idea how easy it is to start a fire with these. Also useful for blinding jerks. * Rope – So many uses. Try to get paracord for the bow string too. * Hiking sleeping bag – Lightweight and warm, use with the rope to pull a Katniss and sleep in a tree. * Other hiking/survival gear and food

With that, I have two suggestions: * Go to Washington State or Utah – Alot of wildlife to eat and survive off of. Just don’t eat any mushrooms, no matter how amusing it would be to puke on a Puker. * If you can, grab a silenced Sniper Rifle and change your name to “10,000” – Doing this has been proven to make you into a badass.

You want a winter climate in the negatives and a defensible geography. Some where near oilfields where you can refine crude, recover wet gas/condensate and natural gas. A forest environment with lakes to harvest meat and drinkable water.

everyone is wrong (aka everyone is more wrong than me, but someone else may be less wrong than me). after many experiments, the ultimate zombie weapon (given the ludicrous constraints of hollywood zombies) is a double sided ice pick with paracord grip (I can make one and send picts if requested by at least 2 people). First quesiton: what are the desirable characteristics of said weapon? light weight durable easy to service serves multiple functions can be used for individual as well as rapid/multiple kills e.g. 1 kill per second what else?

Dragon GamingZYT December 8, 2016 at 6:16 pm

I would suggest something easy to get like:

1: Shovel

Why: It’s easy to find and you can not only slice it in the brain (Which would be a pain.) you can use it to bash in some zombie heads.

Uses: Killing, Digging Places to hit: Neck, Head

2: Golf Club

Why: It’s also pretty easy to find and some of which are very easy to kill with. Like a putter. But the round ones are horrible for killing

Uses: Killing, Last resort, Playing golf? Places to hit: Head

3: Shovel

Why: You can kill zombies with this thing depending on how you hit it. Hopefully the one you find isn’t those tiny things they use to dig up weeds in your garden. But if it is you can still aim for the neck. A normal shovel (metal) will also be able to bash a head in.

Darci March 2, 2017 at 2:15 pm

So hey, to anyone who sees this. I’m doing a paper on Zombie weapons. I want to right about what would be the best combo. If i could get some good ideas and explanations that would be great.

Captain_Texas March 23, 2017 at 7:48 am

I always assume classic Romero zombies for my survival (because I will k+mouse1 for anything else). A lot of these depend on how a real zombie would attack you, mostly on how high it’s arms are raised, because it might accidentally defend itself from a blow by knocking your arm off course. Some combat considerations: 1. Over the top: Attacks delivered over the top will likely leave your avenue attack clear from potentially blocking arms. If their arms do get in the way the leverage from gravity should allow you to twist out and recover, even if they grab you. All bashing and most puncturing and slashing weapons could be used in this way. The M1917 trench knife is designed for just this purpose and can punture helmeted skulls, even to the forehead. A modified bat or trench club (with metal bracings and added metal for crushing) could be used here too. 2: From the side: This one depends on how the arms are raised as they could knock your attack off course, possible knocking you off balance and presenting a large area to the enemy for grabbing and biting, so using longer weapons is best here, all 3 types are easily usable here, but puncturing is the least viable due to how you would have to swing a puncturing weapon. 3: Straight through: Arms would probably be raised fairly straight out or at an outwards angle and not at an inwards angle, leaving a thrust to the head mostly open and allowing for a natural straight-back recovery. Long puncturing or front-bladed weapons would be good here. Crowbars could be best used here with enough power. Tapered spike type weapons can easily puncture and withdraw from the skull and avoid the “suction” effect that could make the removal difficult.

-A look back: In my opinion weapon types from the Great War are the most viable, with the exception of bolt-action due to the need to fire quickly. Most Eastern Bloc SKSs feature large sturdy spike or blade bayonets that can puncture the skull easily, as well as already being attached to your primary weapon which can deliver 10rds on target in close-quarters. Trench-clubs are shorter mace-style or pure clubbing weapons which can easily cave in a skull and require very little maintenance or skill to use. A sharpened entrenching tool (or dull one) turned to the blade side can cave in a skull or decapitate if thrust forwards under the chin. The buttstock of most actual combat rifles can be used very effectively with a buttstroke or bash, especially older models (WW1-Vietnam) which were designed with hand-to-hand rifle fighting in mind.

-Just my opinion

Red April 23, 2017 at 9:42 pm

I would just like to say that if you have the skills and tools you could cork a metal baseball bat with golf balls or something allowing you to transfer a lot more kinetic energy and it would also make the bat more durable

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Rio June 28, 2017 at 1:34 pm

Man my only three weapons would be a semi-automatic sniper rifle with silencer, a revolver idc how loud it is, and a SOGFARI Tiger tooth machete. My vehicle would be a 2003 700 Horse power shelby mustang. Them walkers wouldn’t even touch me.

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phoenix October 23, 2017 at 7:07 am

me and my friend were playing zombie apocalypse and i had a sniper and 5 axes and he had hathet and a katana and just so you now the wepons were not real they were fake

Buckwheat July 13, 2018 at 5:07 pm

According to something I read, the preferred hand to hand weapon in the trench warfare of WW1 was the entrenching tool. The WW1 trenching tool was typically a short (48″ or less) with a wooden handle and a blade that was about 8″ wide by about 12″ long. It was sharpened on both sides and the bottom. Light and lethal, if it was good enough for the vicious hand to hand trench warfare it would work great against a zombie. Another great weapon would be a 1796 light cavalry saber. It’s curved shape and weighted tip make it extraordinarily lethal. In addition, it is more rugged than the katana and it doesn’t require the extensive training the katana needs to be really effective.